When I asked if I could be a minister, my intention was to do service with art.  In 1989, I had no idea how that would manifest in my life.  The part of my ministry that still challenges me is to do it no matter what situation, place, or circumstance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my nieces, being teenagers, were stressed and having some anxiety.  Although my sister was not expressing it, I could see her depression as well.  Having studied at USM and taken all the teachings of DSS, I taught them how to use art for healing and co-creating with the inner child.  My sister had so much fun that she created a family business called La Buena Paint Parties.  So, there went my retirement as an art teacher, and I was called forward to minister to all through art.

We have done paint parties in many places and situations, such as for companies, families, friends, and even children with cancer.  I have observed that people crave socializing in simple, healthy, and loving ways.  Painting is safe and brings forward peacefulness and connectivity for individuals from all walks of life.  The kinship develops by just having mutual support and the joy of creating a simple work of art. The recipe is not to be a shadow artist – no negative talk to yourself or others – but just have fun.

I specifically created an inner-child painting party.  I guide the participants through a meditation in which they connect to the inner child, who is the artist.  They bring their inner child into the painting party, and it is all about having fun and expressing love for themselves and others.

I do, however, find myself being tested to maintain my ministerial consciousness and stay authentic and real no matter what the situation or circumstance; some people we paint with can be a challenge.  For example, we were asked by Endeavors, which serves Border Patrol and their families, to have painting parties.  My personal frustrations with the politics of Border Patrol have hit me hard.  I live in El Paso, Texas, a border city, and I have family and friends in the United States and Mexico.  I see and hear stories that break my heart and sometimes leave me shaking.  Yet, in my ministry I am going beyond any situation, circumstances, and environment.  I have experienced these people and their families to be loving and precious.  These families have high rates of divorce and suicide.  I believe we are helping them clear negativity through our painting parties, and I have observed that painting and sharing food and art supplies brings them happiness in very simple and ordinary ways.  We have families that are regulars and others that join us at our other painting parties as well.  I have learned that no matter where you stand in politics, we all have the same desire to experience love.

I know that one of my biggest supports in doing my ministry is that I have stayed in DSS non-stop since 2009 – as a student, reader, Practical Treatise reader, and now a translator.   Although service has stretched me in unexpected ways, I know that getting out of my comfort zone is really me walking with the Christ as the Traveler laughs in my heart.  I keep expanding in my ministry as I serve all of us in the oneness of living love.  My biggest challenge is to get out of the way and let Spirit do the work.  And when I do, I realize that I am blessed because I get to see and understand that we are the blessings.

Love and Light to all,

Lucia Parga-Navarro